How to Dab and Weave | Beginner TIG 2

Описание: This is lesson 2 in our series on TIG welding for beginners, where we introduce filler metal, bring in the fundamentals of arc length and torch angle, and show you how to dab and weave. When it comes to welder training, this is the approach I've used for years to introduce new people to welding. At the end we show why one of the most common beginner difficulties--melting the rod back--happens.

We're back on 1/4" mild steel flat plate here. I know it's not the most exciting place, but it's easy to prep and you get a lot of arc time, and when you're just starting out you'll end up dipping your tungsten a lot and otherwise contaminating your weld area. But I agree it's best to get off flat plate as soon as possible, because in many ways the welding is actually more difficult (it's harder to see the puddle and you have no frame of reference to go travel by) and it doesn't mimic real world applications very well.

Still it's important to get two things down on flat plate before moving on to weld joints. You want to get to the point where you're not dipping your tungsten all the time or melting your filler rod back. But I agree, and this is one big way my approach to teaching new welders differs from the standard way. I want to get you off flat plate and onto some real weld joints as soon as possible, because that is where the real fun and magic starts to happen, and there are a few ways to quickly prep up some real joints that also offer a lot of arc time. We'll get to that in the next lesson.

I'm excited for you on your weld journey--whether it be to become a professional, to learn something useful, or to have as a fun hobby--don't hesitate to comment any questions or suggestions along the way. Thanks for watching!